When you're grilling up a juicy tri tip, choosing the right side dishes can turn a good meal into a great one.

These 21 tasty side dishes bring out the best in your tri tip, offering a range of flavors and textures that complement the meat beautifully.

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The best side dishes to serve with tri tip are baked beans, cornbread, sautéed mushrooms, pico de gallo, blooming onion, coleslaw, garlic bread, corn on the cob, jasmine rice, mashed potatoes, sweet potato fries, crispy green beans, mac and cheese, creamed corn, garden salad, French onion soup ,and steamed broccoli.

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1. Baked Beans

Baked beans are a hearty and flavorful choice to serve with tri tip. Slow-cooked with bacon, molasses, and a blend of spices, these beans offer a sweet and savory depth that matches well with the smoky flavor of the meat. They're easy to prepare ahead of time and can be kept warm until ready to serve, making them perfect for gatherings.

2. Cornbread

Cornbread, with its sweet, buttery flavor and crumbly texture, is an excellent side for tri tip. It's especially good at soaking up juices and flavors from the meat. You can add jalapeños or corn kernels to the batter for an extra kick or texture. Serve it warm with a bit of butter for a comforting addition to your meal.

3. Sauteed Mushrooms

Sauteed mushrooms, cooked until they're golden and tender, are a simple yet luxurious side dish. They're seasoned with garlic and herbs, which bring out the earthy flavors that are a natural complement to the robust taste of tri tip. This side is quick to make and adds an elegant touch to the plate.

4. Pico de Gallo

Pico de gallo offers a fresh, zesty contrast to the rich, grilled flavors of tri tip. Made with ripe tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, this salsa is bright and slightly spicy. It's not only a colorful addition to your meal but also adds a burst of freshness that enhances every bite of the meat.

5. Blooming Onion

A blooming onion is a show-stopping side that's both fun and flavorful. This deep-fried delight is crispy on the outside and tender inside, served with a spicy dipping sauce. It's a decadent treat that pairs wonderfully with the straightforward, savory taste of tri tip, adding a crunchy texture to the meal.

6. Coleslaw

Coleslaw brings a crunchy, creamy texture to your tri tip meal. The crisp cabbage and carrots mixed with a sweet and tangy dressing refresh the palate, making it a perfect counterbalance to the smoky meat. It's also incredibly versatile—you can adjust the dressing to be more creamy or vinegary based on your preference.

7. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a crowd-pleaser that goes great with almost anything, especially tri tip. The crispy edges and soft, buttery center infused with garlic flavor make it irresistible. It’s perfect for mopping up any leftover juices on the plate, ensuring that no flavor goes to waste. Simple to make, garlic bread is always a hit at the table.

8. Corn On the Cob

Corn on the cob is a summertime favorite that pairs delightfully with tri tip. The sweetness of the corn complements the smoky flavor of the grilled meat. You can boil, grill, or roast the corn and slather it in butter, salt, and a sprinkle of paprika or chili powder for extra flavor. It's simple, festive, and always a hit at any barbecue.

9. Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice is a fragrant side that adds a subtle, aromatic touch to the meal. Its fluffy texture and slightly sweet flavor make it an excellent base for soaking up the juices from the tri tip. You can cook the rice with a bit of garlic or onions for added flavor, making it a light but satisfying complement to the rich meat.

10. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side that brings creamy comfort to any tri tip meal. Whip them until they're smooth and buttery, with a touch of cream or milk for richness. You can also add garlic or cheese for a flavorful twist. Mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that pairs wonderfully with the robust flavors of grilled tri tip.

11. Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries offer a sweet and savory twist on traditional fries. Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with the savory depth of the tri tip, and their crispy exterior provides a satisfying crunch. Serve them with a simple seasoning of salt and pepper, or get adventurous with spices like smoked paprika or cumin.

12. Crispy Green Beans

Crispy green beans are a light and crunchy side that adds freshness to your tri tip meal. Toss them in olive oil and garlic, then roast them until they're slightly charred and crispy. The vibrant flavor and crunch of the beans make them a refreshing contrast to the juicy, tender meat.

13. Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a creamy, cheesy delight that everyone loves. It’s the perfect comfort food to serve with tri tip, offering a rich and indulgent side that complements the smoky meat. You can make it classic with cheddar or mix in some Gruyère or smoked cheese for extra flavor. Baking it until it's golden and bubbly makes it irresistible.

14. Garden Salad

A garden salad brings a crisp and refreshing element to your tri tip feast. Mix a variety of fresh greens like lettuce, spinach, and arugula with tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots. Add a light vinaigrette dressing to enhance the fresh flavors without overpowering the main dish. This salad offers a balance of textures and flavors that cleanse the palate between bites of rich meat.

15. Creamed Corn

Creamed corn is a smooth and sweet side that pairs beautifully with tri tip. It's made by simmering corn kernels in cream with butter and seasonings, resulting in a rich and decadent dish. The creamy texture and sweet corn flavor make it a wonderful complement to the savory, grilled flavors of the meat.

16. French Onion Soup

French onion soup, with its deep, savory broth and caramelized onions topped with a gooey layer of melted cheese, offers a warm and comforting start to any meal featuring tri tip. The richness of the soup complements the robust flavors of the meat, providing a hearty and satisfying experience.

17. Israeli Salad

Israeli salad, known for its finely chopped vegetables—cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers—dressed simply with olive oil and lemon juice, adds a burst of freshness and color to the meal. This salad is light and crunchy, providing a nice contrast to the hearty tri tip, and its simplicity allows the flavors of the fresh ingredients to shine.

18. Halloumi Fries

Halloumi fries are a unique and tasty side dish. The halloumi cheese is sliced into sticks, coated lightly, and fried until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and melty inside. Serve these fries with a dip or just a squeeze of lemon to enhance their natural salty flavor, making them a delightful complement to tri tip.

19. Canned Asparagus

Canned asparagus can be a convenient and tasty side dish when prepared correctly. Drain and toss them in olive oil and garlic, then broil or sauté briefly to enhance their flavor. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. This side is quick to prepare and adds a touch of elegance to your meal.

20. Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a hearty pasta dish that’s loaded with cheese, tomato sauce, and herbs. It's a filling and comforting side that complements the savory flavors of tri tip. The creamy cheese and rich tomato sauce in the ziti mirror the depth and richness of the meat, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

21. Steamed Broccoli

Steamed broccoli is a healthy, straightforward side that works well with tri tip. Its mild flavor and tender texture make it a perfect canvas for dressings or seasonings like a drizzle of olive oil, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of cheese. This vegetable pairs nicely with the meat, adding both color and nutritional balance to your plate.

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